Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, Head of Department, Masabata Mutlaneng. Picture: X
The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) is under scrutiny by opposition parties over allegations of maladministration and favouritism.
This after a senior official in the department has expressed concerns over recent staff movements, citing lack of consultation and transparency.
The source who works for the department alleges that the Head of Department (HOD), Masabata Mutlaneng, made significant changes without prior discussion or explanation.
In a letter seen by The Star and supplied by an official of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), some of these movements include a director for financial accounting being moved to health construction and maintenance.
Another one is the chief acting director who was reassigned. It further stated that multiple directors and deputy directors were also reassigned or replaced.
The document further questions the rationale behind these moves, particularly the reassignment of goods and services directorate, which now reports to the chief directorate for construction procurement, contrary to the approved departmental structure.
Disgruntled staff members’ concerns highlighted tensions within the department since Mutlaneng’s appointment in February 2023.
Allegations of misconduct have created a challenging work environment, the source said.
Mutlaneng had not responded to a text message by the time of going to print while MEC Jacob Mamabolo declined the phone call made by The Star.
Mamabolo had also not responded to a text message.
The department has further faced criticism from opposition parties for its inability to complete infrastructure projects on time and within budget.
Currently, 17 schools in the province remain unfinished, depriving learners of a conducive environment for learning and teaching, according to the DA in a statement.
The statement states that according to the department, poor contractor performance, cash flow problems and interference from business forums are the primary causes of the delays.
Speaking to The Star on Wednesday, DA member of Legislature Nico De Jager said the lack of progress not only jeopardises learning but also resulted in budget overruns, placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
De Jager further emphasised the need for a skills audit to ensure only capable contractors are appointed.
“The DA proposes blacklisting contractors who fail to meet deadlines and budget requirements. Additionally, conducting a skills audit for department officials will guarantee they possess the necessary expertise.
“Effective management and staff capacity are crucial for service delivery. The department must address these issues to provide quality infrastructure and education for Gauteng’s learners.”
Meanwhile, in a different matter, DID’s recent Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg order to pay R14.8 million to Maru Spaces Consortium, a private architectural and engineering company, has put more strain on the department’s mismanagement of funds.
Despite having a service level agreement since August 15, 2017, the department ceased payments in February 2020, citing lack of budget allocation.
However, Judge Heidi Barnes ruled that the department cannot evade payment due to poor budgeting.
The court found that the department failed to allocate funds for specialist services, despite instructing Maru Spaces Consortium to provide services and that they stopped paying the company in February 2020, but gave repeated assurances of forthcoming payments, prompting the company to continue rendering services.
The department claimed it was not liable for the payments due to lack of authorisation, but Judge Barnes dismissed this argument.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s portfolio committee on Infrastructure Development & Property Management has also raised concerns about mismanagement, calling for the dismissal of underperforming contractors and project managers.
The Star
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za